Army deserter who supported ISIS faces gun charges

SEATTLE -- A U.S. Army deserter who called Osama bin Laden "a beautiful man," made statements supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and called for the death of American troops has been charged with illegally possessing firearms, including machine guns, federal prosecutors said Monday.

Daniel Seth Franey, 33, was barred from having guns because he was subject to a protection order taken out by his former partner, but he nevertheless joined an uncover agent in making what he believed were black-market gun deliveries, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, Washington.

The investigation began last year after several people told law enforcement that Franey was making pro-ISIS statements, an agent with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force wrote. One person said Franey tried to buy his or her AK-47 and insisted he or she should fly an IS flag at home, the documents say.

Franey did not have an attorney listed in court documents but was due to make an initial appearance on Monday. He faces five counts of unlawful gun possession but no terrorism charges.

"This defendant possessed firearms, including machine guns, even though he knew he was prohibited from doing so," said Seattle U.S. Attorney Annette Hayes. "He also discussed attacking members of the military and law enforcement."

Franey served in the Army from 2002 to 2008 and was stationed in Texas and South Korea, the complaint says.